Heavyweight:-Kyotaro Fujimoto (19-1): WBO #7 / WBC #20A heavyweight Japanese fighter is something very rare, let along being ranked in the top 10. The former K-1 champion debuted in 2011 and has had a successful run in the regional scene, currently holding the OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight belts while riding on a 14 fight winning streak. Even though we may never see him challenging for a world title, it’s fun knowing he is there.Super Welterweight/Jr Middleweight:-Takeshi Inoue (13-0): WBO #5 / WBA #13 / WBC #19The undefeated 4-year veteran is climbing the Super Welterweight rankings very fast, managing to place himself as the #5 in the WBO. A former Japanese title holder and now the unified OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion, may very well be one or two fights away from his first world title opportunity.Super Lightweight/Jr Welterweight:-Hiroki Okada (18-0): WBO #3 / WBA #4 / WBC #9One of brightest prospects in Japan right now, Okada has never lost a single bout in his entire career. A bona fide knock out artist (13 KOs), he held the Japanese crown for 32 months and defended it 6 times, before winning the WBO Asia Pacific championship from Jason Pagara (41-3) this past December. Since the WBO world champion Maurice Hooker will not participate in the WBSS, this title will probably be his main focus as of now. Okada’s next confirmed appearance is on September 14th in the US (opponent TBA).

Lightweight:-Masayoshi Nakatani (17-0): WBC #7, WBO #13Much like Okada and Takuma, Nakatani is also another undefeated fighter, who just recently made a record 10th title defense of the OPBF Lightweight championship. Despite the fact that he is ranked “only” #7 by the WBC, it’s worth pointing out that his last bout took place on July 29, so that win wasn’t taken into consideration at the latest ranking updates. -Nihito Arakawa (31-6): WBO #3Former Japanese, OPBF and reigning WBO Asia Pacific Lightweight champion, Arakawa has been in many big fights through out his 14-year career. At 36, he is still looking for his second world title opportunity. Super Featherweight/Jr Lightweight:-Masaru Sueyoshi (18-1): WBO #7The 27 year old is steadily making his mark in Japan, suffering only one loss in his 4th pro bout, Sueyoshi has been victorious in his last 15 outings and even won the Japanese title on October of 2017. Another successful year and we might see him challenge for a world title by the end of 2019/beginning of 2020. Featherweight:-Satoshi Shimizu (6-0): WBC #6The Bronze Medalist at the 2012 Olympics, made his pro debut on September of 2016 and he has KOed/TKOed every single one of his opponents since then, claiming the OPBF Featherweight crown in just his 4th fight. He will defend that belt against Shingo Kawamura (16-3) later this month. If he can pass that test too, a fight with Gary Russell Jr. for the WBC title could be up for debate.-Shun Kubo (13-1): WBA #7The former WBA Super Bantamweight world champion returned this April, after his TKO loss to Daniel Roman in 2017, and won his comeback fight against former OPBF Featherweight champion & world title challenger Hiroshige Osawa (33-5)making a huge impact on his Featherweight debut.Super Bantamweight/r Featherweight:-Tomoki Kameda (35-2): WBA #2 / WBC #4 / WBO #9El Mexicanito, has been on a 4-fight winning streak since moving up a weight class and has already broke the top 5 in both the WBA & the WBC. A fight with Emanuel Navarrete (WBA #1) could potentially set up a world title fight in 2019 with the winner of Daniel Roman/Gavin McDonnell, which takes place this October.-Hidenori Otake (31-2): WBO #6 / WBC #8The reigning OPBF champion is scheduled to take on Isaac Dogboe (19-0) for the WBO World Super Bantamweight title on August 25.

Bantamweight:-Takuma Inoue (11-0): WBO #8 / WBC #9The undefeated former OPBF Super Flyweight champion is set to face reigning OPBF Bantamweight champion Mark John Yap (29-12), in a WBC World title eliminator fight on September 11. -Hiroaki Teshigawara (17-2): WBO #6Teshigawara recently stopped former world title contender Teiru Kinoshita (26-3) to defend his WBO Asia Pacific crown, bringing him one step closer to a WBO world championship match.

-Ryo Akaho (32-2): WBO #13This is more of an honorable mention as Akaho made his return to the ring this past July, since his forced retirement last year, and knocked out Robert Udtohan, thus making it in the WBO world rankings once more.Super Flyweight/Jr Bantamweight:-Kazuto Ioka (22-1): WBA #2In what must be considered the most bizarre ranking of this list, the former 3 division world champion, who’s return to the ring was announced just a couple of weeks ago,is already ranked #2 by the WBA !Ioka is scheduled to fight WBC Silver champion and 2-time world title contender McWilliams Arroyo (17-3) on September 8, in the States.-Koki Eto (22-4): WBC #5 / WBO #7 / WBA #9The former interim WBA World Flyweight champion is currently ranked in the top 10 of the WBA, the WBC and the WBO. He fights Delfin de Asis (9-5) on August 16.-Ryuichi Funai (30-7): WBO #5 / WBC #10 / WBA #13Funai knocked out Philippino standout and world title challenger Warlito Parrenas (26-8), in impressive fashion, this past June, and won the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. A strong first title defense and Funai could be challenging for the world championship by 2019.

Flyweight:-Kosei Tanaka (11-0): WBO #1 / WBC #2Arguably one of the best fighters that have come out of Japan, Tanaka has won 2 world titles in 2 different divisions within 5 years. Now he looks to add a 3rd one to his collection as he goes one on one with Sho Kimura (17-1) for the WBO World Flyweight championship on September 24.-Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): WBA #1 / WBC #4 / WBO #5The current Japanese Flyweight champion has been on a 6-fight winning streak and has defended his belt 5 times since 2017 and now is ranked amongst the top 5 in the world and most importantly #1 by the WBA. A world title match against Artem Dalakian (17-0) sounds very plausible at this point and since both men have already fought this summer and have come out with no injuries, a fight between the two could take place around December.-Junto Nakatani (16-0): WBC #5 / WBO #13Undefeated Japanese flyweight prospect Junto Nakatani scored another TKO win on July 7 and now is ranked at the WBC’s top 5.-Takuya Kogawa (29-5): WBC #8After a draw with Yusuke Sakashita, Kogawa has retained his spot at the WBC rankings.-Masahiro Sakamoto (12-1): WBO #4The former WBO Asia Pacific champion will probably be in line for a WBO World title match against the winner of Kimura/Tanaka in 2019. He is scheduled to face South Korea’s Flyweight champion Ki Chang Go (6-2) on August 11.Light Flyweight:-Ryuji Hara (23-2): WBO #1Much like Ioka’s, this is the second strangest ranking, especially considering that Hara hasn’t fought since October of 2017. Actually Hara has been the #1 ranked flyweight by the WBO since January, despite having only competed once in this division against the debuting Seneey Worachina. Hara was set to face Angel Acosta for the world title on April 7 but an injury prevented him from stepping into the ring.-Tetsuya Hisada (32-9): WBA #1 / WBC #3 / WBC #6The reigning Japanese Flyweight champion, since 2016, recorded a 4th successful defense against Koki Ono (12-5) on July 16, thus improving his streak to 11 consecutive victories. Now as the #1 ranked Light Flyweight by the WBA, he is rumored to face Hekkie Budler for the gold sooner or later.-Hiroto Kyoguchi (10-0): WBA #2The undefeated IBF World Minimumweight champion has recently decided to move up a weight class and has already reached the top of the WBA ranking. If Hisada doesn’t face Budler right away, then an eliminator between Kyoguchi and Hisada looks more likely to take place.-Ryoichi Taguchi (27-3): WBC #4 / WBA #4Despite losing his 2 world title to Budler, Taguchi is still ranked amongst the top Light Flyweights in the world and without a doubt he will gain another crack at the gold in no time.

-Reiya Konishi (16-1): WBO #6 / WBA #7The former world title challenger and now new WBO Asia Pacific champion, is coming closer to once again fight for the world championship.Minimumweight:-Tsubasa Koura (13-0): WBC #3 / WBA #9 / WBO #11At only 23 years of age, Koura has already amassed 13 career wins, including 9 KOs, as well as the OPBF Minimumweight championship. His 3rd title defense will take place on August 24 against an unnamed opponent as of yet. It’s safe to say that we will see him in a WBC world title match in early 2019.-Ryuya Yamanaka (16-3): WBO #6Yamanaka recently lost the WBO world title to Vic Saludar. Just like Taguchi, he is only a few fights away from competing again for the big one.-Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBC #9Fukuhara has been victorious in both of his 2018 fights but he will need a few more before he can challenge Chayaphon Moonsri again for the WBC world title.-Shin Ono (22-9): WBO #9Ono will make his first Japanese title defense against Riku Kano (13-3) on August 24. His last world title fight was in 2016.

During the next year we're expecting to see the Light Flyweight division become the “must watch” weight class. Given that it's often been an over-looked weight class we're really hoping that 2016 can be a year where fans do get excited and do start to give the division the attention that it deserves, and of course we also hope to see some great match ups. Ahead of any major announcements we've thought of 5 fights that we want to see this coming year in what is the second part of out "Bouts we want..." series, following on from the Minimumweight version here.

Ryoichi Taguchi Vs Randy PetalcorinOn paper the most logical match up sees WBA “regular” champion Ryoichi Taguchi (23-2-1, 10) defending his belt against interim champion Randy Petalcorin (23-1-1, 18). The bout is a really straight forward to make one with the two men having a real reason to fight and in theory both would have a lot to gain from a win and both would likely view the bout as one they should be really considering for the coming year, making it probably the most likely to happen, especially given that neither man can afford another year without facing a major opponent, which both men had last yesar unfortunately.

Not only is this one a good on one in regards to clearing up the WBA title picture but it's also one that should be great in the ring. Taguchi is a criminally under-rated boxer, with a very solid skill set, genuine toughness and developing confidence whilst Petalcorin is a powerful, fast and accurate fighter who needs to prove that he really is world class. The styles should be fun to see together and the chance to score a statement win should bring the best from both, making this a real humdinger.

Donnie Nietes Vs Rey LoretoWhilst the Taguchi/Petalcorion fight makes a lot of sense for both men sometimes fights don't need to make “sense” for us to to want them. One such example is an all-Filipino bout between WBO kingpin Donnie Nietes (37-1-4, 21) and hard hitting countryman Rey Loreto (20-13, 12). On paper this is a major mismatch, however as we all know Loreto is the division's dangerman and is criminally under-rated.

Nietes is the longest reigning active champion in the division however the 33 year old has had a long and draining career and has shown some chinks during his 4 year reign. Loreto on the other hand is just coming into his prime, at 25, and has really improved since a less than stellar 0-4 start to his professional career. With wins over Wisanu Kokietgym, Pornsawan Porpramook and Nkosinathi Joyi Loreto is dangerous and could well upset Nietes in what would be a brilliant boxer Vs puncher match up.

Sadly however it seems unlikely we'll get this one given that Nietes has been ordered to face Moises Fuentes and then seems likely to move to the Flyweight division.

Akira Yaegashi Vs Ryo MiyazakiThe best fights are the ones where styles gel, and one such bout has been mooted for several years and appears to have taken a huge step towards reality in recent weeks. That bout would put the newly crowned IBF champion Akira Yaegashi (23-5, 12) against fellow action fighter Ryo Miyazaki (24-1-3, 15). Whilst there are “better” bouts in the sport, such as Naoya Inoue Vs Roman Gonzalez, we don't think any other bout has “sure fire excitement” written over it as much as this one.

​Yaegashi looked sensational winning the IBF crown late last year, with a win over Javier Mendoza, but still can't refrain himself from brawling whilst Miyazaki is, at heart, a brawler. Given that both men like a fight, both have lapses defensively and both like to let their hands go we really can't see any outcome other than a win for the fans, if this one is made. Interestingly it is being spoken about as potential match up for March and Miyazaki has publicly called out his fellow Japanese warrior. Fingers crossed!

Jonathan Taconing Vs Felix Alvarado​Over the last few year's we've been hoping to see Jonathan Taconing (22-2-1, 18) get a world title fight, sadly however he has been avoided like the plague. It'd be nice to see him finally getting a shot at a champion but if that doesn't happen we'd love to see him face Nicaraguan warrior Felix Alvarado (22-2, 19). The two men should again make for a stylistically fun fight and it should be a bit of a fire fight, despite the fact neither has been stopped.

With 37 stoppage wins between them, from 47 bouts, we know power shots would be the order of the day and neither would be thinking about hearing the final bell. We also know that both feel thy been controversially beaten and and we don't see either man fighting for a decision. This really could be something very special to watch and, like the Yaegashi/Miyazaki bout, has “sure fire excitement” written all over it.

Whilst the bout should be great it should also act as a very serious world title eliminator with the winner well deserving of a world title fight later in the year.

Yu Kimura Vs Ken ShiroThere are a number of other bouts at 108lbs that could be made over the next 12 months though arguably the one that most interests us would see one of our favour fighters Ken Shiro (6-0, 3) step up to face recently crowned WBC champion Yu Kimura (18-2-1, 3). The bout would be one filled with skills and speed and, on paper at least, the easiest root for Ken Shiro to claim a world title, though of course wouldn't be a gimme for the youngster.

The biggest issue with this bout is that Kimura will likely need to fight in a mandatory defense, probably against Taconing, however if he can avoid that, or delay it, then we could be in for a really cracking all-Japanese world title fight between a veteran and a real youngster looking to break through. Really intriguing even if the bout doesn't really scream major “excitement”.

Whilst we have mentioned 5 bouts here, there are of course numerous other bouts, such ones featuring Kosei Tanaka, would also be also be entertaining and the division really does look amazing at the moment and we really are hoping that it can deliver on the promise that it has.

It's been a while since Japanese boxing fans have had free to air action though over the next few weeks fans will get a number of free to air shows across 4 of the terrestrial channels with each showing at least 1 big name in action.The first of the shows comes a week today as the unbeaten Shinsuke Yamanaka (22-0-2, 16) defends his WBC Bantamweight title against unbeaten Argentinian Diego Ricardo Santillan (23-0, 15) on April 16th. This will be Yamanaka's 8th defense of the title and will see him attempting to continue his reign of terror in the packed Bantamweight division. For fans wanting to watch this one it will be on NTV at 19:56 Tokyo time with the broadcast set to finish at 20:54.For those wanting to watch the undercard bouts for that card they are unfortunately not on a free to air channel.Less than a week later we see action on TBS who will be televising two world title bouts. One of those will see IBF Minimumweight champion Katsunari Takayama (28-7-0-1, 11) defending his belt against Fahlan Sakkreerin Jr (27-3-1, 15) whilst the the other bout will see the mega-popular Kazuto Ioka (16-1, 10) attempt to become a 3-weight world champion as he battles Juan Carlos Reveco (35-1, 19) in a bout for the WBA Flyweight title. The beginning of this broadcast is stated to begin just before 20:00 local time on April 22nd.From what we understand Sho Ishida (18-0, 10) may have highlights shown if the two main bouts both end early.To begin May the televised action continues to roll and Fuji TV will begin the month by televising a couple of interesting looking bouts. The first of those will be Takashi Miura's (28-2-2, 21) WBC Super Featherweight world title defense against former IBF Featherweight champion Bily Dib (39-3, 23) whilst the other will be a bout between Ryota Murata (6-0, 4) and Douglas Damiao Ataide (13-1-1, 6). This show will give Miura a chance to really establish himself with fans whilst also allowing Murata to face a world ranked foe in what should make for an enjoyable card.The hope here is that if both bouts are over early then highlights may be shown from Akira Yaegashi's (20-5, 10) bout, which will see the exciting 32 year old fighting for the first time as a fully blown Super Flyweight.The last of the free to air shows during the little burst of action comes on May 6th when TV Tokyo get in on the action and televise a couple of interesting bouts between Japanese champions and Thai challengers. The first of those bouts will see WBA Light Flyweight champion Ryoichi Taguchi (24-2-1, 8) defending his title against Kwanthai Sithmorseng (49-3-1, 26) in what will be Taguchi's first defense of the title he won this past December. The other bout is a much more mouth watering contest between unbeaten WBA Super Featherweight “super” champion Takashi Uchiyama (22-0-1, 18) and Thai challenger Jomthong Chuwatana (9-0, 4). Uchiyama will be seeking the 10th defense of the title, as he slowly moves towards the Japanese record of 13 world title defenses, whilst Jomthong look to claim a world title in boxing to go along with his numerous titles from Muay Thai.At the moment there hasn't been a time announce for either the Fuji TV or the TV Tokyo show however we suspect details will emerge closer to the date.Of course whilst these channels are free to air in Japan that doesn't mean they will be the only ways to watch the bouts. For example we're aware that the Takayama Vs Fahlan bout will be aired in Thailand, on Mono 29, and the Ioka Vs Reveco bout will be televised in Argentina, on TYC Sports. At the moment however it does seem like some bouts are set to miss out on international coverage and that none of the bouts are set to be televised in the US or UK. Thankfully the free channels from Japan are available via certain methods on line.

The Long Term Champion

Donnie Nietes (34-1-4, 20)The clear stalwart at Light Flyweight is a Donnie Nietes. The Filipino has really been quietly going about his business whilst also managing to forge one of the most impressive resumes of any active fighter in the lower classes. All the while others have passed in and out of the division with out creating much of a legacy.

The 32 year old WBO champion is the longest reigning active champion in the division by a long way and has held the title for more than 4 years whilst notching up 5 title defenses. Whilst on paper it doesn't sound like a lot they have been impressive defenses including 2 against Moises Fuentes and others against Felipe Salguero and Sammy Gutierrez.

In the ring Nietes is a highly skilled, defensively sound boxer who thrives against fighters bringing the fight to him. Although a counter puncher by trade Nietes has shown an ability to force the fight when he needs to, as he did against Carlos Velarde last time out.

It seems likely that Nietes will, some day soon, head towards the Flyweight division though it's also clear that he still has unfinished business at 108lbs and he'll likely be here for another fight or two as he continues to develop his legacy in the division.

The Banger

Jonathan Taconing (20-2-1, 17)The Light Flyweight division isn't really associated with big punchers. Even historically it's not known for it's true bangers. At the moment however the division has a really vicious puncher in the form of 28 year old contender Jonathan Taconing who has an amazing stoppage rate of 73.91%, and has stopped his last 7.

Taconing's opponents haven't been great overall but he has notched a few notable scalps, including Vergilio Silvano, who he stopped in 11 rounds last year, and Warlito Parrenas, who he stopped back in 2010.

Blessed with devastating power, serious toughness and an insanely aggressive manner Taconing is one of the lower weights real danger men and he's also become an avoided fighter with no one giving him a shot at the big time since he was controversially beaten by Kompayak Porpramook back in 2012.

Although an avoided fighter Taconing has impressed and the WBC have got him set for a final eliminator with a world title fight against Pedro Guevara up for grabs for the winner. Being honest a bout between Taconing and Guevara could be a runner for the FOTY, if it gets made.

The Warrior

Ryo Miyazaki (22-1-3, 13)Boxing has a number of insanely fun to watch fighters and luckily for the Light Flyweight division, it has one of them in in Osakan fighter Ryo Miyazaki, a former WBA champion at Minimumweight. As a fighter Miyazaki is flawed and limited but he is a fighter and brings excitement into the ring as well as the willingness to go to war and the toughness to often come out on top in a war.

Better known as “Kazuto Ioka's best friend” Miyazaki is a world class warrior who has done more than most. He has claimed Japanese and OPBF titles at Light Flyweight as well as the WBA Minimumweight title and is now on the hunt for a Light Flyweight title fight. Although his resume isn't a who's who he does hold notable wins over the likes of Junichi Ebisuoka, Jerson Mancio, Pornsawan Porpranook, Carlos Verlarde and Jesus Silvestre. The one big mark against him however is his shock upset loss to a then unknown Fahlan Sakkreerin in late 2013, since then however he has rebuilt with back to back stoppage wins.

At the moment the road map for Miyazaki isn't clear though it's expected that he will be moving towards a WBA title fight with Ryoichi Taguchi later this year. That would certainly be a great fight to watch given the styles and abilities of the two men.

The Recently Crowned Prince

Ryoichi Taguchi (21-2-1, 8)The Light Flyweight division has a lot of new title holders title holders at the moment. For many the most under-rated of those is Japan's Ryoichi Taguchi who has shown a lot to like in his career, even if he's only really come to the attention of fans in recent years. In fact Taguchi was a man who came to the attention of fans in his loss to Naoya Inoue, a loss the proved how tough and game Taguchi was.

In the ring Taguchi is a hard working fighter who has a lovely variety of shots, guts, aggression and freakish size for a man at 108lbs. His reach and height alone make him a tricky opponent and his experience of being in with a number of top domestic fighters will certainly help him bow that he's fighting at the top level.

Taguchi's next move is unknown though it's though he will be defending his belt either in April or May with Ryo Miyazaki and Alex Diaz both being rumoured as possible foes for the Watanabe gym fighter.

The Myth, The Man, The Questions

Ali Raymi (24-0, 24)Yemeni fighter Ali Raymi has become a bit of an internet sensation and his record is, clearly, one of the most perfect in the sport. Sadly for Raymi he is without a win of international renown and has been on the back end of jibes by the international boxing community.

Exciting to watch and blessed with one of the most aggressive mindsets in boxing Raymi is a colourful character who seems able to get the type of attention that the division generally lacks. Sadly however for many fans he is little more than a myth.

In the ring Raymi is all about offense with his attack often depending, almost entirely, on body shots which come in massive volume. It's hard to say how damaging these really are given his competition thus far but they have stopped all of his opponents up to now, something that very few fighters have managed.

From what we understand Raymi's next bout comes against another unbeaten Yemeni fighter, Hani Ansi, in March. The bout pits two very colourful fighters against each other and the winner probably does need to be taken semi-seriously however the lower will almost certainly be seen as a joke.

The Thai Teen

Stamp Kiatniwat (12-0, 5)The real young gun of the division is Thailand's promising Stamp Kiatniwat who, despite only being a teenager, is tipped to be a major star in the future. Not only is he tipped as something special but he is matched like he's something special and is being pushed hard despite his age.

Stamp made his debut back in 2013 and hie early opponents were the usual selection of novices and limited imports. Last year however he stepped it up massively and took on former world champion Kwanthai Sithmorseng. The win Kwanthai wasn't easy, Kwanthai of course wanted to so defeat the youngster, but the win really showed just how talented the youngster was.

Although a talented boxer-mover we have seen Stamp troubled with his recent win over Espinos Sabu being particularly tough. This bout showed that the youngster needed time to develop from a boy into a man. Once he does that we suspect we'll see him in bigger and better fights against strong opposition.

At the moment there is no opponent lined up for Stamp's next bout though we have a feeling he'll return to action in April or May, probably against a Filipino or Indonesian foe.

Others The interim ChampionThe Philippines have several other notable fighters in this division including WBA interim champion Randy Petalcorin who is a much touted southpaw with venomous power and an exciting style. “Razor” is exciting fighter though one who hasn't yet scored a major win with his best scalp to date being against Walter Tello. Hopefully this year we will find out a lot more about the 23 year old southpaw and find out if he has the ability to claim a “real” world title.

The contenderMilan Melindo will be the next Asian fighter to fight for a Light Flyweight title when he steps up to take on IBF champion Javier Mendoza on April 25th. Melindo is a fabously talented fighter but one who seems to struggle when he steps up a level and he has struggled with both Jean Piero Perez and Martin Tecuapetla in recent bouts. He's talented but lacks the power and consistency to be genuinely world class.

The notable none Asian (I)Having just mentioned the IBF champion it makes sense to talk about him a little bit. The heavy handed Javier Mendoza is a wonderfully fun fighter to watch with serious power, aggression and pressure. He's not the most technically capable nor the fastest but it may well take a very good fighter to beat him. Melindo, in our eyes, lacks the style to get the job done in Mexico but it will be fun when the two collide.

The notable non Asian (II)Mexico's Pedro Guevara may well be the best fighter in the division and yet the 25 year old is generally over-looked by many in the division. Part of the reason he is over-looked is that he lost his first step up bout, coming up short against John Riel Casimero, however since then he has scored 4 straight wins including notable victories over Raul Garcia, Mario Rodriguez and most recently Akira Yaegashi. This kid is extremely talented and appears to have all the tools to be a star.